I like Maria's posture and flexibility. Obviously, they are still juniors and there is some work to be done, but this pair seems to me that they have 'it'; that thing that keeps your attention and make you watch it. I can't put a finger on what it is.

If there would be Japanese language speaker for feeding information, I'd be really happy. If Chinese and Korean also - it would be more than it is possible to dream.

You don't even have to wish for it! There are several Japanese speakers. They've been very generous with translations of interviews and magazine articles, and also reports from the summer ice shows. There are also several speakers of Chinese languages we've heard from, and at least one or two Koreans. If you hunt around on some of the threads (such as the Daisuke Takahashi thread, the various threads devoted to YuNa, and the Patrick Chan thread--because he's been interviewed by Chinese-language media), I'm sure you'll find enjoyable tidbits of information.

AlexRus, can you tell us more about Fedorova/Miroshkin? And also Davankova/Deputat, please.

I know some from Davankova/Deputat plans, they will go to their second JGP in Croatia as they have to settle their not so good performance in Lake Placid , they will then compete in a B International competition as Seniors ( maybe Coup de Nice ) in preparation for National Championships, their aim is Top 5-6 Placement at Senior Russian Championships in December.

I know some from Davankova/Deputat plans, they will go to their second JGP in Croatia as they have to settle their not so good performance in Lake Placid , they will then compete in a B International competition as Seniors ( maybe Coup de Nice ) in preparation for National Championships, their aim is Top 5-6 Placement at Senior Russian Championships in December.

Top 5-6 place at Russian senior nationals will be really hard. I know that last year it was doable, but last year the top two pairs did not compete. As I see it, Volosozhar-Trankov, Kavaguti-Smirnov and Bazarova-Larionov will place above them for sure. So they are going to compete with Stolbova-Klimov, Gerboldt-Enbert, Martiusheva-Rogonov, Maisuradze with his new partner... Davankova and Deputat are good, but there is a very strong competition and it will depend on how the others deliver (or not deliver).

Top 5-6 place at Russian senior nationals will be really hard. I know that last year it was doable, but last year the top two pairs did not compete. As I see it, Volosozhar-Trankov, Kavaguti-Smirnov and Bazarova-Larionov will place above them for sure. So they are going to compete with Stolbova-Klimov, Gerboldt-Enbert, Martiusheva-Rogonov, Maisuradze with his new partner... Davankova and Deputat are good, but there is a very strong competition and it will depend on how the others deliver (or not deliver).

Gerbodlt/Enbert are injured and will be out for 2012-2013 season,
Maisuradze and his new partner ? I doubt a newly created partnership will really do well....
Nodari's new partner is a young girl but we still have to wait for the Russian Cup Series how they will do

the possible Top 1-4 at Russian Championships
are between Volosozhar Trankov, Kavaguti-Smirnov, Bazarova-Larionov, Stolbova-Klimov

so their direct competitor for 5-6th placement is Martiusheva-Rogonov who also have jump issues.